The Incredible Journey

Our second assignment for February was to create a page inspired by a Disney movie. Fun! I searched online to find a list of the movies and was really surprised how many there were! Some I'd never heard of! I looked through the list to see if there were any titles that "spoke to me" and saw The Incredible Journey. Here's a short description of the original movie, which came out in 1963 and was then remade in 1993:

... three ordinary pets take on the majestic Canadian wilderness in one extraordinary journey! Finding themselves separated from their owners by 200 miles, the trio sets out on a perilous trek to find their family. Led by instinct, a young retriever, an old bull terrier and a self-sufficient Siamese cat face hunger, a dangerous bear, rushing rivers and much more along the way. These three unlikely friends soldier on, protecting and caring for one another in one of the most incredible journeys ever.

I thought that this would be a good title for a second installment on my weight loss journey. There are so many things you must do when you decide to have bariatric surgery - you don't just decide to do it one day and have it the next. I based my page on all the steps I've had to take from the moment of decision until now - just a few days before surgery. Actually, by the time you read this, I will already have had it! Here is the journaling on the page:

I made one square on the page for each of the things I have had to do:

Educational Seminar

3 appointments with a dietitian

Psychological counseling

Clearance by a cardiologist which involvolved, for me, an echocardiogram, a nuclear echocardiogram, and a trans-esophogeal echocardiogram (TEE)

Clearance by my pulmonologist

Clearance by my hematologist

2 appointments with the surgeon

A pre-surgical endoscopy to check for hiatal hernia

A two-week liquid diet before surgery to shrink the liver

Not for the faint of heart!

Now for the fun part!

I really enjoyed making my custom grid last month and as I started sketching this one, it looked like it would be perfect for another custom grid. I used patterned paper from Bo Bunny for my background. I actually turned the paper on its side to take advantage of the beautiful flowers and flourishes. I went ahead and built my page the way I envisioned it on the grid (using Eggplant - love that color!) and then once I had things where I wanted them, cut around the edge leaving an 1/8" border.

As I was picking out a font for the top where it says "The Official Before Pictures" I had to chuckle - there was a font called Elephant! I just had to use it.

Nancy, I had the surgery in June 2006. If I'm reading your pages correctly, yours was on February 14th -- eight days ago. You should be home by now and walking. I love your title, your color selection, and your faith in yourself. I'm looking forward to seeing even more pages celebrate the release of the you inside that is eager to follow your dreams. Great job.

Nancy, you did it! Love your page! I like the 1" squares for documentation. I think on day 3 of the liquid diet I'd be ready to eat mosaic paper :/ You are strong and will do great! Keep us posted on how your doing (if you feel like it). You've got lots of fans on your side. Forgot to mention that I loved the colors.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
So begins your incredible journey. All your blocks show each step you have taken and I'm sure there were some you thought you'd never get through..like the liquid diet! I love the arrow pointing to what lays ahead...I look forward to the continuing journey! This will be some story when it is all complete! Hope you are home and getting the rest you need. One day at a time!

I love your bravery and the title says it all...
What an incredible journey you are taking! Bravo! (from Downton Abbey) The page is incredible. Great job and praying you will have an incredible recovery and success!

Nancy! I love your page! And I love the fact that you are able to share this journey with all of us! That is brave...not sure in your situation I'd be able to do the same! Indeed, a wonderful valentine to yourself, and I hope all goes well and I can't wait to see the after page! Beautiful job!

Everything about your page is beautiful. I agree with Billi as well. You are brave and full of courage. What a beautiful way to document such an incredible journey. Your bravery encourages me- and I thank you!!

This is a beautiful page! Love the colors (& how they match your shirt), the path to show the journey and your courage to undertake and document this life-changing event. Wishing you speedy surgical recovery and an exciting journey forward!

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